Perhaps you’re wondering how many days per week you should hit the gym. The answer depends on your workout routine and fitness goals. Although there’s no exact formula that’s perfect for everyone, an ideal workout plan is one that balances strength training, cardio, and rest days.
Strength Training and Cardio
If strength training is your primary goal, you’ll want to include those kinds of exercises at least two to three days per week. The main thing to remember with strength training is to give your muscles time to heal between workouts. If you’re not in an organized class, consider alternating upper body days with leg days.
If weight loss is your objective, aim for two to three days of cardio. Even if you’re happy with your current weight, you will benefit from incorporating at least some cardio training into your routine. We all know that cardio is good for the heart, but increased endurance is another significant benefit.
On the other hand, if you’re only about cardio, don’t forget that strength training can help speed up your weight loss by increasing your metabolism, causing your body to burn fat quicker.
Taking a class that incorporates cardio with strength training will allow you to get a balanced workout in as few as two to three days per week. Conversely, if you do cardio and strength training on opposite days, you’ll probably need to exercise 4-5 days a week.
Rest Days
Experts recommend that everyone take at least two rest days per week to allow muscles to heal and prevent injuries from overuse. That said, you don’t have to spend your rest days being sedentary. If you prefer to work out every day, consider including a couple of “active rest days,” which could look like attending a lower-intensity class or taking a leisurely walk.
While some struggle with taking time to rest, others aren’t exercising enough. The CDC recommends getting 75 minutes per week of moderate activity or 150 minutes per week of intense training.
Regardless of your current fitness level or goals, the Bria Method approach to training will take the guesswork out of balancing your fitness routine and get you the results you crave. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for more information about our LIT and HIIT class offerings, as well as membership options.